Endoscope Insertion Portion Rotation Control via Braking Unit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional endoscopes lack an efficient mechanism to restrict or allow the rotation of the insertion portion relative to the operation portion, affecting operability and precision during procedures.
Innovation Solution
An endoscope design featuring a switchable mechanism with a pulling/relaxing member and a braking unit that allows operators to control the rotation of the insertion portion by hand, using a switch portion connected to a pulling/relaxing member and a braking unit with a deformation portion that restricts or allows rotation based on operator input.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a conventional stopper mechanism is used to restrict rotation of the insertion portion, then the rotation angle is limited, but the operability and precision during procedures deteriorate due to lack of flexible control
Solution Approach 1:
The braking unit transitions from a static stopper mechanism to a dynamic system that can switch between restraining and allowing rotation states. The pulling/relaxing member enables the braking force to be applied or released on demand, making the rotation control adaptive to procedural needs rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the parameter of braking force from a constant restricted state to a variable state that can be adjusted between fully restrained and fully allowed rotation. This is achieved by controlling the tension in the pulling/relaxing member, which modulates the braking effect of the deformation portion.
2Ease of operation
If the insertion portion is freely rotatable relative to the operation portion, then operability is improved, but precision and stability deteriorate due to inability to maintain desired positions
Solution Approach 1:
The braking unit applies a preliminary restraining force to prevent unintended rotation of the insertion portion. The deformation portion is pre-configured to engage with the rotation mechanism, creating a default braking effect that counteracts unwanted movement while allowing controlled rotation when the pulling/relaxing member is actuated.
3Manufacturing precision
If a complex switchable mechanism is added to control rotation, then precision and operability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The braking unit integrates multiple functions into a single compact mechanism. The deformation portion serves both as a brake element and a transmission element, while the pulling/relaxing member combines the functions of actuation and force transmission. This merging reduces the number of separate components compared to traditional switchable mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The pulling/relaxing member acts as an intermediary element that translates the operator's input (pressing the switch portion) into the corresponding braking or releasing action. This intermediary mechanism provides smooth transition between states and simplifies the control interface compared to direct mechanical switches or motors.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This design enhances operability by allowing precise control over the rotation of the insertion portion, preventing deviation from desired positions and improving the overall usability of the endoscope during procedures.
Implementation Method 1
a braking unit to which another end of the pulling/relaxing member is connected, the braking unit including a deformation portion deformed by the pulling and the relaxing of the pulling/relaxing member
Data Source
AI summary
An endoscope includes: an operation portion grasped by an operator; an insertion portion pivotable relative to the operation portion; a switch portion provided on the operation portion and switchable by a grasping hand of the operator; a pulling/relaxing member pulled and relaxed by back and forth movement in the operation portion based on switch operation of the switch portion; and a braking unit that includes a deformation portion deformed by the pulling and the relaxing of the pulling/relaxing member and that restrains or allows rotation of the insertion portion.